Hisham has a Masters degree in International Development Management from Bradford University and has worked in the NGO sector for over 13 years. He chose this field of study as he finds helping people extremely rewarding and wants to use his experience to support our community in the best way possible.  Hisham says ”As a man working in the field of mental health, I’ve discovered a deeply rewarding journey of compassion and growth. My presence has provided a diverse perspective, breaking through stereotypes and fostering connections with clients.”

Suzanne has been at Bradford District and Craven Mind since 2019 as a Recovery Worker for the Sanctuary. Prior to that she worked for a relationship charity for 12 years and has a background in product management. She is currently studying a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and she wants to help people overcome struggles so they can live the best life they can. Suzanne is passionate about offering the best service possible to clients so that no one has to struggle on their own. She believes that: ‘We all have a unique story, people can go through very dark times. I endeavour to show them some light and bring a bit of hope into their story.’

Masira is a qualified counsellor with a degree in psychology, and she has dedicated her career to the mental health sector, focusing on the intersection of mental health and race. Passionate about reducing inequalities and promoting equity, she is committed to ensuring that marginalised communities receive accessible and culturally sensitive mental health care.

Her extensive experience in community engagement and development has been pivotal in shaping her inclusive approach to mental health services. Since joining Mind in Bradford in 2021, Masira has been leading initiatives to support people with severe mental illness (SMI), ensuring they receive essential care and services. Her work focuses on addressing mental health disparities and advocating for systemic change, making her a compassionate and effective advocate in the field.

Daniel’s passion for mental health developed out of lived experience, and led him to complete a degree in social work, and master’s degree in psychology which he graduated from in September 2023. Daniel worked for Leeds Mind, as the project coordinator for a project which encouraged Black men to talk about mental health, before moving to the ECDC project.

Isabelle has worked for the last decade in charity communications, with a focus on social issues including domestic abuse and sexual violence, homelessness, mental health and and housing. She has a degree in communications, advertising and PR, and a master’s degree in sociology.

Izzy has a Masters in Philosophy & Psychology and is passionate about improving the lives of those living with a mental illness. Izzy believes in the importance of holistic approaches to mental health care, taking into consideration the physical and social factors when developing services. She strongly upholds that everyone should have access to care and support, and has joined the team to help improve the physical interventions available to those with a severe mental illness. Aside from her Psychology background, Izzy is also a qualified Horticulturist and Florist, and enjoys horse riding, walking and cooking in her spare time.

Mehnaz has been working in the voluntary sector for more than 15 years designing and implementing projects that offer support for children and adults. Her journey at Bradford District and Craven Mind began during the pandemic when Mehnaz decided to volunteer to help support people with their mental health particularly with anxiety and bereavement. She went on to become a Relief Worker on the Enhanced Access service and from there a contracted Enhanced Access worker. Since October 2022 Mehnaz is now the Service Coordinator for Enhanced Access, Wishh and SMI-LE. Mehnaz say’s “My journey has been very rewarding, no two days are the same which is what I love the most about my role.”

Sufia has a background in Psychology and Sociology (BSc Hons). She has worked in both General and Mental Health Hospitals previously and has a passion for supporting people and improving their mental wellbeing. She currently works as a Wellbeing Practitioner for Enhanced Access and Hospital Buddies. She hopes to continue supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.

With a background in homeless prevention work and refugee resettlement, Laura is looking forward to taking on a new role at Bradford District and Craven Mind. Laura is passionate about equality and social justice and enjoys supporting people to overcome barriers and reach their goals. Once a student in Yorkshire, Laura moved back up north in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since – she loves the countryside, pubs and people here. Outside of work, Laura enjoys cooking, live music, reading, board games and losing pub quizzes!

Donna joined the team in March 2019 following a career of seven years in fundraising and community activities at the Yorkshire Building Society. She has a qualification in running fundraising events and Level 2 Health & Safety. As Service Manager, she is responsible for the recruitment, training and well-being of volunteers for Bradford District and Craven Mind, overseeing Community Companions, Tea n Talks and managing Stepping Stones.

Natalie Joined us in June 2023 after working in the mental health and wellbeing sector for seven years. She graduated in December 2022 from Preston University with an IAPT practitioners’ degree. Natalie loves helping people and has a passion for supporting people diagnosed with a Severe Mental Illness. Outside of work Natalie loves to travel and make memories with her family. 

Reshma joined us in October 2022 after previously volunteering as a befriender during lockdown. She is very passionate about supporting others with their wellbeing and exploring holistic ways of doing this. Reshma is currently in training to become a Mindfulness Teacher within the LGBTQI+ community with Rainbow Mind (Mind in Salford). In her spare time, she enjoys the arts, reading good books and going for long walks in nature.

Mike is passionate about supporting vulnerable people in the community, having supported many charities previously including Age UK and Mind’s Befriending Service. Mike also enjoys volunteering for Shipley Glen Tramway in Shipley and most years bears a strange resemblance to their Santa.

Lindsay became Service Coordinator for Wellbeing, Hearing Voices and Guide-Line after developing a real passion for helping people during her time working across the Wellbeing and Children & Young People’s services at Bradford District and Craven Mind. With a degree in Social Policy from the University of York, she has always had a keen interest in social inequalities and social care. She has a natural empathy with people and is really dedicated to understanding and supporting people with their mental health. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys reading and walking in the countryside.

Kathryn has previously worked with young people and families with disabilities and autism. She also has a background in youth work and has run community groups in Manchester. She currently facilitates Walk and Talk, a recovery support group and will be running the Women’s Wellness group from May. Kathryn runs a community cafe in Manchester 2 days a week and enjoys cycling, swimming and camping. 

Shabnam joined Bradford District and Craven Mind with an aim to empower and support people into taking charge of their wellbeing. Shabnam has a background in supporting young people and families with their mental health within the Bradford community. She is currently working as a Wellbeing Practitioner delivering sessions on confidence and self-esteem.

Duncan has previously volunteered at other local charities, running mental health groups for their clients and has a background in youth work. He is a keen advocate of peer support, is a qualified Qi Gong teacher and facilitates the Walk and Talk group on Mondays. In his spare time, he manages his own allotment, grows his own vegetables and also runs a Qi Gong group in the community. Duncan say’s “The best thing about my job is making a difference and helping people to improve their day and lives”.

Suzy is a fully-trained journalist and worked as health reporter on the Bradford Telegraph & Argus before moving to corporate and charity communications. She is driven by the need to raise awareness of available help and support and enjoys creating opportunities for people to make their voice heard.

Healthy Minds website

Nina joined Bradford District and Craven Mind after studying Media and Communications at University of Leeds. Nina manages the communications for the Healthy Minds website and digital platforms. From lived experience to her work with the Attune and CREATE project, she is passionate about using her digital and creative skills to positively impact people’s mental health.

Healthy Minds website

Mandy recently completed her university degree in Criminology and Sociology and gain a first class honours. She enjoys walking, running and going to the gym, as well as spending time with her family and going on adventures.

I am a dedicated and compassionate professional working in the mental health industry. With a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, I combine knowledge, empathy, and expertise to provide exceptional support to those in need. My mission is to promote mental wellness and foster resilience in the community. 

Tyler has a varied background with two BSc (Hons) degrees in Injury Rehabilitation and Midwifery. However, both are deep within the healthcare field. Tyler believes that everyone should be entitled to free healthcare and have their beliefs and autonomy advocated for. Her experience in healthcare for the last 8 years highlighted the multitude of inequalities in health services and lack of diversity in healthcare education. This has prompted her to really push for change within the sector and ensure the community feels heard and cared for.